Fenland Birder: Week commencing 4th February

Monday 4th

Weather: 9°C (feeling like 7° C), Wind: W, 9mph, Cloud 100%, Visibility 2 miles

Afternoon at Burwell Fen and not too many people around. The old barn has now disappeared so no more using it as a landmark for observations!

As we were unloading at bridge a Short-eared Owl was hunting over Tubney Fen. Two further owls were seen on the far side of Burwell Fen as we crossed the bridge. These were soon joined by a Barn Owl.

A single Whooper Swan was on the far side pool as were two male Pintail. The usual wildfowl were present and two pairs of Stonechat were showing well

Species seen 38

Tuesday 5th

Took myself off to Holkham, leaving the dogs behind for once, giving me uninterrupted birding without worrying where Annie was!

Good numbers of Brent and Pink-footed Goose around on arrival with Wigeon in large numbers on the fields.

Was looking for Shore Lark and found them in the marram grass to the right of the broadwalk, with 21 in total.

Male Shore Lark

Male and Female Shore Lark

A good flock of over seventy Snow Bunting were moving around the same area but sadly over the far side so images somewhat pushing the P900!

Snow Bunting

Sea watch produced a good number of Common and Velvet Scoter with a couple of male Long-tailed Duck mixed in. At least five Red-breasted Merganser and Great Crested Grebe were off shore as was a Slavonian Grebe. A large flock of Wigeon were also off shore.

Tried tracking down the Dartford Warbler that was spotted at the edge of the woods but no luck just Long-tailed Tit and Chaffinch.

Plenty of Brent and Pink-footed Goose present as were a number of Buzzard and a single Red Kite.

Buzzard

Wednesday 6th

Weather:10° C (feel like 7°), wind SW, 7mph, Cloud 75%, Visibility 2 miles

Really nice morning for a stroll along the bank. The old barn has no gone so there goes my supply of owl pellets!

Two Whooper Swan present and at least five Pintail. A Short-eared Owl was hunting over Tubney Fen and a Peregrine appeared from where once the old barn stood. Also where once the old bar stood a Great White Egret was showing well.